5th OT, Solomon’s Temple, 2024
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020624.cfm
After 7 years of building Solomon’s magnificent Temple at great cost by many laborers, and 2 weeks of celebrating its grand opening, it is incredible to think that nothing is left of this structure today. Yet, after thousands of years, we’re still reflecting on Solomon’s dedication prayer of this Temple, which we heard today. What wisdom does this prayer hold for us?
First, Solomon’s prayer is a prayer of faith. “LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you…” Of all the gods that were being worshipped by other people at the time, Solomon’s words spoke the truth that the God of Israel wanted a personal relationship with God’s people. Then and now, we know that our God cares tenderly and personally for all people, acts on our behalf and dwells among us.
Second, Solomon’s dedication prayer is a prayer of confidence. “Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place.” Solomon knew this sacred space would be a place where people could come with the troubles of their hearts and the concerns of their souls, and they would be heard by God Almighty with great compassion. We are gathered here today because we believe God listens to us, too, with mercy and kindness. As a community, we pray for one another here. I am so personally grateful to this community of faith who so recently prayed for my family as we grieved the loss of my sister, Colleen.
Lastly, this prayer is a prayer of humility. “Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.” Here is Solomon, the great, wise King, humbling acknowledging before the people the need for pardon and peace, as we still do.
Most importantly, Solomon’s prayer teaches us that God’s most beautiful temple is the universe itself. In awe Solomon acknowledges that if the highest heavens cannot contain God, how much less this temple which he has built.
But Solomon did build the Temple and its mission was to witness to the people’s belief in One True God. In our times, the mission of Jesus has the church. We are that church called to witness and serve. Today we celebrate courageous witnesses to that mission: St. Paul Miki and his companions who were cruelly martyred during the persecution of Christians in Japan in 1587. Among them were Franciscans, Jesuits, lay catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and innocent children—all united in a common faith and love for Jesus and his Church. As they were hanging from crosses waiting to be stabbed, Paul Miki gave thanks to God for such a precious favor as dying like Christ did. Before they were killed, the group recited the Canticle of Zachariah, after which the church of Japan welcomed its first martyrs.
Faith, confidence, and humility…Solomon taught us what truly is needed when we pray, and our courageous martyrs witnessed those qualities by their lives and deaths. May we pray to them today, and live our lives, with faith, confidence, and humility.
